Health and Safety Information

An informed parent can make better decisions about their child's care. Learn about the latest topics in children's health.

Our Latest Posts on Children and Teens Health Topics

Injury Prevention and Performance for Young Athletes

febrero 17, 2021 – Christian Gerstenkorn, lead athletic trainer with the Sports Health Program at Nicklaus Children's, provides an overview on ways to prevent injuries and maintain performance in youth sports.

Taking Control: Managing the Highs and Lows of Diabetes

enero 20, 2021 – The diabetes team is proud to provide this educational resource for their patients. The book offers an overview of the disease and detailed guides on how to monitor glucose (blood sugar levels), proper administration of insulin, and how to manage high or low blood sugar episodes in diabetic children.
Download the PDF book (7 MB)

Important Vaccines for Children with Diabetes

enero 20, 2021 – Children with diabetes are more likely to experience complications from the flu that can lead to hospitalization. They also need extra protection against pneumonia and meningitis.

The Mediterranean Diet Meets a Western Tradition: Thanksgiving!

noviembre 23, 2020 – A healthy dietary pattern is linked to good health. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with positive health outcomes, but what do we do when the holidays come? Do we take a break from healthy eating? Do we skip the festivities? The answer is neither. In this article, I will show you how you can have a healthy delicious Thanksgiving meal following Mediterranean diet recommendations.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Safely

noviembre 17, 2020 – The holidays are important traditions for adults and children alike. This year, because of COVID-19, the way we are used to celebrating will look a little different.

Kids & Immunization: What you should know about vaccinations

septiembre 30, 2020 – Keeping children up-to-date on their immunizations is important for both their health and the health of our community. In recent years, we have seen pediatric outbreaks of diseases for which vaccines are available, and part of CDC-recommended vaccinations such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Fall Flavors

septiembre 25, 2020 – Hello fall, or is it “beautiful skin”?  It may not be a coincidence that fall fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenes, the antioxidants that protect our skin, eyesight, and help regulate the immune system. After all, summer days are all about fun in the sun. Exposure to UV rays in sunlight is known to cause premature aging of the skin, sun damage, skin cancer, eye problems and weakens the immune system. The beginning of fall also marks the beginning of the U.S. 2020 - 2021 influenza season, a peak time for immune responses.

It's Kids Eat Right Month

agosto 27, 2020 – It’s Back-to-School time again, and while it may look a little different this year, the challenges are the same. “What to make for lunch and snacks?” is on every parent’s mind.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

marzo 17, 2020 – We understand that news related to the international spread of COVID-19 has raised concerns in our community. As part of our commitment to the region’s children and families, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is in daily contact with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the situation, and is prepared to evaluate and care for patients with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19.  

Weight Management for Children and Teenagers

enero 14, 2020 – Obesity has become one of the most significant threats to the well being of our nation’s children. It is estimated that nearly 32 percent of children and adolescents are overweight and that 16 percent or more can be categorized as obese.

The Risks of Vaping – What Parents Need to Know

septiembre 24, 2019 – Until recently, the severity of e-cigarette use or “vaping” has been minimized. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is currently investigating an outbreak of lung disease in connection with e-cigarette use following the deaths of six people as a result of e-cigarette use or “vaping.”

Preparing your Child for a Hurricane

agosto 29, 2019 – Children and teenagers can become anxious when their routines are disrupted by natural disasters such as a hurricane or tropical storms. Parents should try to address those fears in a factual, reassuring manner.  If you remain calm, your children will often follow your behavior.

Natural Disaster Preparation for Families with Children

agosto 29, 2019 – During preparation time, at the occurrence of, and in the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes, children are likely to experience fear and anxiety, manifested by moderate to intense periods of hyperactivity, distraction, clinging to parents, excessive talking and sometimes regression of learned behaviors such as toilet training and sleeping in their own bed.

Hurricane Survival Tips for Families

agosto 29, 2019 – Hurricanes are considered natural disasters. In order to safeguard your family, it is essential that you prepare accordingly with information involving pre-hurricane readiness and post-hurricane recovery efforts. The information below will help you and your family cope with the realities of such an emergency.

Flood Emergency Readiness

agosto 29, 2019 – Some basic steps to take to prepare for storms and floods while under a flood watch or warning.

Sports Nutrition in Kids and Teens

mayo 13, 2019 – Exercising and being active is only half the battle. In order for children and adolescents to have the best chance at becoming successful athletes they need to fuel their bodies appropriately. A common misconception is that because a child may be very active, he or she can eat anything because it will burn off in practice. While the child may burn many calories in practice or competition, he or she will not be playing at an optimal level if health foods are not being consumed.

Recommendations for juice consumption in children

marzo 29, 2019 – Consumption of fruit juice has increased drastically within recent years as children and adolescents continue to be the highest consumers. An excessive amount of juice consumption can lead to not only an increase in calories, but also an increased risk for childhood obesity and dental caries.

Immune “Boosters” for Children

marzo 27, 2019 – A healthy immune system is your family’s best weapon to fight the common cold or the flu season, and our job is to keep you ready. Below is a list of six immune-boosting nutrients and the different foods they can be found in, recommended by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s #GiveMe5 program. 

Medical Care During Pregnancy

marzo 06, 2019 – The sooner in pregnancy good care begins, the better for the health of both moms and their babies. Here's what to expect.

Child-Friendly Veggies

marzo 05, 2019 – Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, but getting kids to eat an adequate amount can be challening. Here are helpful tips to introduce more veggies into a child's diet.